Andy Murray through to French Open semi-final with three sets to one win over Kei Nishikori

ANDY MURRAY reached his fourth French Open semi final in a row – with a little help from the umpire.

Carlos Ramos, who had infuriated Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal by calling them for time violations earlier in the tournament, took a first serve off Murray at a crucial moment when he was already a set down.

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Andy Murray is through to the French Open semi-final with a win over Kei NishikoriCredit: Getty Images

But the world No 1 used it as inspiration, turning the match around and winning 2-6 6-1 7-6 6-1 against an error-ridden Kei Nishikori to set up a repeat of last year’s semi-final clash with Stan Wawrinka.

Brad Gilbert, one of Murray’s former coaches, wrote a book called “Winning Ugly” about his approach to beating players with more ability than him.

And this was the perfect example, as the Scot endured highs and lows but got the job done quite comfortably in the end.

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It was a superb performance from the British number oneCredit: Rex Features

But it was Nishikori who took the early initiative.

Although it was a double fault which gave the Japanese the first break, in the game in which Ramos first pulled Murray up on his timekeeping, he was all over his opponent from the off.

Nishikori was dominating the rallies, taking the ball early and driving Murray well behind his baseline from where he would either make errors or be vulnerable to the dropshot.

Murray’s own shots seemed to lack power and depth and he conceded the opening set limply in just 34 minutes.

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Japanese star Kei Nishikori won the opening setCredit: Getty Images

But Ramos’ intervention in the third game of the second seemed to give Murray the spark he needed.
Having lost his first serve, he won the point anyway and yelled: “Let’s go.” And when he clinched the game, he screamed: “Come on.”

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Suddenly it was Nishikori being passive and he gave up his serve with a double fault in the very next game.

And when Murray gave him the chance to break back immediately, twice Nishikori missed badly to let him off the hook.

The world No 1 capitalised on his opponent’s dramatic drop in performance and levelled the match.
But Murray did not take full advantage of the change in momentum.

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The Scottish player has never won the French openCredit: EPA

Nishikori continued to miss a lot and one overhit ball cost him a break of serve.

But in the very next game, Murray himself mucked up a straightforward volley to offer up two break points and lost the second when he sent a forehand wide

These were big moments for the match, you felt, and it seemed Murray had risen to the challenge.

After holding to love to save the set and level it at 5-5, he broke Nishikori in the next game but could not serve it out and a crucial tiebreak beckoned.

But Nishikori totally fluffed it, giving Murray the first six points with five errors and a double fault.